Buddhism and Meditation

At this weeks MK Buddhism & Meditation class , we begun by “Saluting the Shrine”.

This is a traditional practice involving turning towards a Buddhist shrine, placing ones hands in anjali mudra (palms together like in prayer) and chanting:

Namo Buddhaya

Namo Dhammaya

Namo Sanghaya

Namo Nama

Om

Ah

Hum

This is followed by bowing to the shrine or Buddha image.

The salutation is to the 3 Jewles of Buddhism (Triratna) – The Buddha (the ideal of enlightenment), The Dharma (the Truth Teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (The enlightened followers of the Buddha). Namo can be translated as Homage.

In this practice we salute the highest ideals of Buddhism, the highest attainments possible for any being and at the same time recognise their potential in ourselves and each other.

Om Ah Hum. Represents 3 levels of reality – from the most sublime down to the everyday, as well as signifying Body, Speech and Mind. This short mantra puts a “seal” on the salutation, saying: “I mean this with my whole being”.

Here is an audio recording from Free Buddhist Audio of a Puja (Buddhist Ritual). This short recording includes Saluting the Shrine; and the Worship Section and Avalokitesvara Mantra from a 7 Fold Puja: